Reconstruction was the period during which the United States began to rebuild after the Civil War, lasting from 1685 to 1677. Presidential Reconstruction was kind because Lincoln wanted to re-admit the southern states to the Union as soon as possible. However, after Lincoln's assassination, Andrew Johnson made it a bit more difficult for the south to emerge. Radical Republican Reconstruction was more harsh, it forced southern states to reapply for admission to the Union and secure the rights of the newly freed slaves. Thaddeus Stevens was the leader. He wanted to abolish slavery and required an oath of allegiance to the Union. The Radical Republicans believed blacks should have the same rights and opportunities as whites and that the Confederate leaders should be punished for what they had took part in.